As much as I love the excitement of taking off on the runway or having my feet up on the dashboard, there is a simpler and more authentic love that I have for train travel that can’t be denied. By being whisked through the countryside, you get an opportunity that you would otherwise not have by jumping from one city to another via plane, or worrying about directions or navigating the other side of the road in a [crappy, ultra-economy sized] rental car.
For Europe, train travel is undeniably the way to go. Backpackers rave about the ease and affordability of a Eurail pass for good reason. Rail stations are accessible from city centers, there is almost always a convenient way to the destination you’re trying to reach, and there is little to no time spent going through customs or security like you would in an airport. Purchasing a Global Eurail Pass was an easy decision for us, but here are some things to think about before deciding whether or not it is right for you:
- Living in the US, you are required to purchase your pass in advance with enough time to have it mailed to you before your departure— standard shipping will get it to you in less than 9 days.
- Activating your pass means starting your pass. So if yours is “continuous,” that means the clock starts ticking at activation. This process takes place at a designated ticket booth before you step foot on your first train. It is quick and easy, but you never know how long the line will be to get to that attendant— so arrive early to be safe.
- Reservations are still required for many common trips, and this is in addition to what you’ve already spent for your pass *sigh.* Even with trying to avoid these by making stops or taking slower, less direct trains as much as possible, we still accumulated fees around $200. However, reservations will guarantee you a designated seat, and in most cases will cater to your selected preferences; such as a seat with table, with outlets, or facing the direction you choose.
- Eurail has recently upped the Youth Pass discount to age 27, which grants eligible travellers savings upwards of 20% off the normal ticket price. But good news- if you do not qualify for the youth pass, but are travelling with a partner or group, you can save 15% if you purchase together and plan to be together at all times throughout your journey.
To expand on #4, our travel took place when we were 26, but before the “youth” age was adjusted from 25 to 27– URGH! — which required us to purchase an Adult (first-class only) Pass. And though I see the irony in complaining about first-class, for the most part, the upgrade made little to no difference in our travel. Sometimes these cars had nicer seats or offered snacks and/or water for guests, but many of the smaller, local trains did not even have a first-class car. Regardless, none of the first-class extras were necessary for a backpacker, and we looked very misplaced among the businessmen and upper crust of the EU. Thus, if you are able to get the lower priced, second-class pass– do it. There are items worth splurging on while abroad, but this is not one of them.
Lastly, of all the numbers I’ve run and comparisons I’ve completed, I’ve yet to analyze the cost savings of an unlimited pass versus buying individual train tickets. But with the ease of an unlimited pass, even if there were a slight price difference, I don’t think we would have changed our decision. When you end up at the wrong station or your train gets delayed/cancelled altogether, you’ll be happy to simply get on the next one with your pass – no matter what time it is, or what stops you’ll have to make to get there– without paying a fee or even having to speak to an attendant.
To check out popular itineraries and/or research which pass makes the most sense for you, visit Eurail’s website here to get started.